lax – lhr

I don’t hear Ali tapping on his keyboard or snoring in my ear or asking me what is quite possibly the most annoying question in the world: “What can I snack on?”

I don’t hear Maya begging for a dog named Darwin or demanding a play date with some random girl we met at the mall 6 weeks ago. And I certainly don’t hear her asking me the second most annoying question in the world: “What can I eat if I’m still hungry?”

Why don’t I hear any of these things? Well because Maya and Ali are currently in London.

And in case you’re wondering, I’m still recovering from a packing marathon that involved me rolling Ali and Maya’s clothes to minimize wrinkles and maximize space.

Why did I pack for my husband you ask? Well he was busy in his own right, strategizing for hours about how best to fit the iPad, his laptop, the video camera, his Windows Mobile something or another, and his vast collection of toothpaste. To avoid breakage/loss of course.

And while I’m admittedly jealous my family is frolicking in an English park while I work 10 + hour days, I have to say, I’m sort of having my own little vacation right now. Because…

I eat what I want, when I want.

I get to work at 7:30 am and score the most amazing parking spot.

There isn’t a single dish in the sink. Not one.

And if that wasn’t enough, tonight, when I breeze through airport security without having to coordinate Ali’s electronics, Maya’s shoe removal, and more of Ali’s electronics? When I board my own flight to London with just my carry-on, my laptop, and my Bose noise cancelling headphones?

Woo hooo for space & serenity…and of course your upcoming trip to London! I’m so excited for you (and also kinda jealous)! Where will you guys be staying? It’s too bad you guys won’t be there in August- that’s when I’m going and it would have been great to meet up :)!

What a sweet sweet picture of Maya! I completely cherish my alone time. I’m not sure I’d know quite what to do if I didn’t have to feed the three bears everyday. We are in total agreement on the annoying eating questions. Nothing drives me crazier than preparing what I think is a totally awesome meal and an hour later hearing someone crackling a pretzel bag in my kitchen when they think the coast is clear. Have a safe and happy trip!

So you won’t be trudging along the aisle, backpacks hanging on either shoulder overflowing with random toys, candy, blankie ….. dropping stuff along the way…….bending to pick ’em up, while knocking others’ stuff with said backpacks, noisy kids on either side………..None of that. Just one posh carry on luggage and a stylish handbag gliding along the way ! Enjoy the solitude Ameena and Happy Journey 🙂

I can so relate to this post Ameena! When I worked for a Swiss company I went to Europe a lot (from SF). People used to ask me how I could stand it, and I’d always say it’s the biggest chunk of “me” time I get! Have a wonderful trip!

I was there 7 years, loved it, and then got a bad boss (new hire) and became miserable. Then I was at smaller companies in the Bay Area and traveled some but not as much. As of two years ago, I’m a real Housewife of NJ, ha! I miss the travel but now am closer to Europe and hope to go on vacation (although that won’t be business class, boo!).

Isn’t me time the best! I found it to be a strange turn of events when I went from dreading long flights, pre-kids, to relishing one post-kid if I was alone. All that time to read, listen to music, and form an actual complete thought in my head. Heaven! Enjoy your flight and London.

I’m curious…are you bringing Sarah’s Key with you? Also, glad to hear the left ahead of you so you can better enjoy the flight. I want to give you a giant list of things to do and see, but I trust you will have your own fun. I’m jealous that you’re going to London of all places, and I know it will be a great time!

How fun! Enjoy London. And I know exactly what you mean because my house is spotless Mon – Thu. But as soon as my husband gets home on Thursday night, everything goes for a toss each week. I mean, once the coffee table was gone, he turned our laundry basket upside down and plonked his cereal on it.

Ah, how divine. Wave to the Duchess for me…you know, if you happen to bump into her. I am so glad you were able to get some undisturbed peace and quiet! Apparently Ali needs to sign himself up for more international travel this summer…with Maya of course!

Ah yes, as I’m circled by my own little kiddo asking random, mean-nothing questions, I feel myself turning green with envy. Very green. That day of silence is worth the packing marathon. I’d pack for Ali and Maya if it means I could have it. Ah, dancing along with the commentary. Wonderful. See what I mean?

hahaha my dad always asks my mom what he can snack on. In fact, I nearly died last night when she brought him some crackers to snack on and he said, “you hardly put any butter on these.” I really don’t know how she does it. 🙂

Ameena, when I read about this 11 hour flight of yours, I thought “It’s Christmas In June!” I hope that you enjoy the peace, the quiet, the ability to travel without a posse and the prospect of a landing that doesn’t involve a sick bag. Have fun in London, friend!

oh i’m soooooooooo jealous. i love london. enjoy yourself and the 11 hour journey. OMG, Ameena if you get this in time, see if you can try Paul’s Hot Chocolate, it’s a London chain, but they have the most delicious thick liquid hot chocolate… Maya will love it for sure. Have a safe trip. 🙂

HR just told us we get to leave work at noon on Tuesday (before 4th of July). I’m not telling anyone and I am going to go to the movies (one of my favorite things to do) and then I’m getting a deep conditioning scalp massage (also one of my favorite things to do). I wish the Hubby would go on more trips without me for the shear fact that I can eat what I want when I want! Have so much fun on your trip!!

I hope you are enjoying your time in London. I just got back from all my travels, so I am happy to not have any security checks, packing or other travel relate things right now…and I am back in my bed and at home with Ryan. But the traveling was good and I saw lots of amazing things. Now I have some down time and then more travel.